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Boracay Island Carrying Capacity 2023

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has recently raised concerns about the number of visitors flocking to Boracay, urging the local government to stick to the recommended daily limit of 19,215 while a review of the island’s carrying capacity is underway. This issue came to the forefront during Holy Week when the number of tourists exceeded the set threshold.

In response, the DOT and other government agencies are collaborating to find solutions and ensure that tourism on Boracay remains sustainable. Read on to find out more about Boracay’s carrying capacity for 2023 and how the government responds to it.

Reviewing the Carrying Capacity Study

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is currently reviewing a carrying capacity study conducted in 2018. This study, expected to be released by June 15, will play a crucial role in determining the maximum number of visitors that Boracay can accommodate without harming its environment. It’s an important step towards managing tourism effectively on the island, ensuring that it remains a paradise for years to come.

Concerns about Exceeding the Daily Limit

During Holy Week, the number of tourists staying on Boracay surpassed the daily full capacity limit set by the DOT. On April 14, there were 21,252 tourists recorded, and the following day saw an increase to 22,519. However, it’s important to note that these figures differ from the data provided by the Malay Tourism Office, which only considered new arrivals and not guests already present on the island. This distinction is crucial in understanding the actual number of tourists within the carrying limits.

Malay LGU Called Out for Breach

The DOT called the attention of the Malay Local Government Unit for breaching the Boracay carrying capacity of the island.

According to data from the Municipal Tourism Office of Malay, 62,241 people went on a holiday to Boracay during the Lenten break this year, from April 2 to 9. This was a huge increase of 38 percent compared to last year’s Lenten break, when only 44,981 tourists visited the island from April 11 to 17, 2022.

Out of the total number of tourists, 80 percent (50,015) were locals, while there were 11,535 foreigners, and 691 overseas Filipino workers who enjoyed their vacation in Boracay.

Boracay exceeded its limit on three specific days. On April 6 (Maundy Thursday), there were 25,480 tourists present. On April 7 (Good Friday), the number rose to 25,294, and on April 8 (Black Saturday), there were 23,284 tourists on the island, despite some departures to other establishments occurring each day. However, it’s worth noting that a study conducted by the DENR determined that the maximum capacity for tourists on the island should be 19,215 at any given time.

Boracay consistently ranks among the most sought-after islands in the world, as reported by various international travel publications and news sites, mainly because of its picturesque white sandy beach.

Tug of War

Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez, the Director for Region 6 (Western Visayas) at the DOT, has urged the mayor’s office to pay attention to Boracay’s existing carrying capacity after observing the breaches. Carrying capacity refers to the ability of an ecosystem to support people and other living beings without adverse effects.

Despite multiple attempts by the newspaper to contact him, Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista did not provide any comment on the matter.

On the other hand, Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado, the President of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, described the issue in Boracay as a “tug of war” between profitability and sustainability. He believed that the DENR study was an attempt to establish some level of control. However, he questioned the monitoring process and said, “I would advocate for an increase in Boracay’s carrying capacity to ensure the sustainability of the destination’s products and services.”

He also noted that these breaches occur only on a few weekends throughout the year. The past issues were the result of neglect over decades, not just by the stakeholders but also by the local government. Now, everyone is aware of the steps they need to take to ensure its sustainability.

Good for Business

During an interview, an anonymous resort manager on the island expressed that exceeding the carrying limit was seen as positive news by stakeholders, as it led to increased business. They mentioned that even the national government seemed open to the idea that the full implementation of it might not be feasible.

They highlighted the existence of the Boracay-Caticlan Sustainable Development Council, which acts as a similar body to the Boracay Island Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF), and stated that discussions were held regarding the proposal for a higher limit of the island.

Considering recent infrastructure improvements made by the government, the island’s stakeholders have requested an increase in the carrying limit. This appeal comes after the breach of the carrying limit during the previous year’s Holy Week.

Working Together to Address the Issue

The DOT is awaiting a response from the LGU of Malay regarding the violation of the daily limit. While the letter from Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat was initially addressed to the DENR, it was also copied to the DILG. Collaborative efforts are underway between the DENR, DOT, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to find suitable measures and resolve the issue. The Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group, consisting of representatives from these agencies, will lead the coordination and decision-making process.

Considering Upcoming Events

The LGU of Malay is mindful of the impact that upcoming events may have on the number of tourists visiting the island. They are taking steps to further tourist arrivals and ensure these events do not exacerbate the situation. One notable event is the “Love Boracay” celebration, previously known as “LaBoracay,” which marks the beginning of the island’s closure for rehabilitation, as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. The government is striving to strike a balance between promoting tourism and safeguarding the island’s natural beauty and resources.

Preserving Boracay’s Capacity

Preserving Boracay Island’s carrying capacity is vital to protect its stunning environment and ensure a high-quality visitor experience. The island’s allure lies in its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Exceeding the island’s capacity can lead to environmental degradation, resource strain, and a decline in the overall tourist experience. Achieving sustainable tourism growth requires adhering to visitor limits, implementing effective waste management practices, and encouraging responsible tourism behaviors.

DOT Secretary Romulo-Puyat that even before the pandemic, the BIATF already set the carrying capacity of the island. The capacity is 19,000, but during Holy Week it was 21,000 in one day and 22,000 on another day, which is way beyond the normal limit. She also said that even during pre-pandemic they were already monitoring the capacity and it never exceeded because everyone entering are logged into the database.

Preserving Boracay's Capacity

Final Thoughts

Boracay faces the challenge of managing its tourism growth while preserving its natural beauty. The DOT’s call for compliance with the daily visitor limit underscores the importance of sustaining the island’s carrying capacity. As the carrying capacity study undergoes review, the government is actively collaborating to find solutions and ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism on Boracay. By striking a balance between visitor numbers and environmental preservation.

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